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Projects Updates for Battery Recycling
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- Associated Project(s):Attached Files:
Campus Committee on Recycling Batteries' Proposal to Go to PWR SWATeam in September 2018
Associated Project(s):During the 2017-2018 academic year, interested faculty members formed the Campus Committee on Recycling Batteries. Members included Clara Bosak-Schroeder, Ömer Özgür Çapraz, Marcus Smith, and Robert McKim. They developed a draft proposal for a pilot battery recycling program that would be coordinated across the campus and eventually become self-sustaining. They sought input from Joy Scrogum, Morgan White, and Marya Ryan. Robert McKim joined the PWR SWATeam starting with the fall 2018 semester. He will take the proposal to the team at its September 2018 meeting so that the team can take ownership of the proposal and help move it forward.
PWR SWATeam Meeting - 2/5/18
Associated Project(s):The PWR SWATeam had their first meeting of the semester, where they discussed several updates related to purchasing, waste, and recycling. The Team discussed concerns about recycling bins on the Main Quad, persistent issues with the purchasing of recycled paper on campus, challenges with a centralized battery recycling program, and the formal adoption of EPEAT standards for electronics on campus. The SWATeam also discussed and provided feedback on a formal recommendation for the expansion of SmartWay to other campus units.
Attached Files:PWR SWATeam Meeting - 11/30/17
Associated Project(s):The PWR SWATeam reviewed the progress made over the course of the semester on various projects and discussed next steps for each. These projects included battery recycling, the rearrangement of outdoor trash and recycling bins, guidelines for the optimal arrangement of indoor bins, expanding SmartWay, and encouraging the use of EPEAT certified products.
Attached Files:PWR SWATeam Meeting - 11/15/17
Associated Project(s):The PWR SWATeam discussed the history and future opportunities and mechanisms for battery recycling on campus. They also talked about updates in the rearrangement of outdoor and indoor bins.
Attached Files:Battery Recycling Instructions and Locations Updated
Associated Project(s):Battery recycling instructions were updated to indicate that "University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign" should be included in address information provided to Call2Recycle. The inclusion will allow for reporting of volumes of batteries recycled through the program across the campus.
Battery recycling locations were updated.
Follow-up on instructions for F&S page
Associated Project(s):Updated instructions for battery recycling were sent today so that the F&S page can be updated with current program information.
Follow up on "parent ID" question
Associated Project(s):The "parent" ID number for Call2Recycle should no longer be used. It was used for tracking payment as well as shipping addresses, and continued use could result in battery collection boxes being shipped to the wrong location on campus. Unfortunately, dropping the ID number means that we won't be able to obtain centralized reports of volumes of recycled batteries.
Battery recycling participation instructions updated in iCAP; F&S page updates pending
Associated Project(s):Instructions for units that want to provide battery recycling have been updated on the appropriate iCAP Portal pages, with a detail regarding the provision of a "parent ID number" to Call2Recycle still pending. Once that detail has been confirmed, iCAP Portal instructions will be updated again if necessary, and instructions on the F&S page will be updated.
Archived info - added text
Associated Project(s):Added the following text to the first paragraph of the project description:
Full instructions for your unit to participate are available at https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/project/rechargeable-battery-recycling.
iWG meeting minutes May 2, 2017
Associated Project(s):see file
Attached Files:iWG agenda May 2, 2017
Associated Project(s):See attached agenda for iWG meeting held on May 2nd, 2017.
Attached Files:PWR008 Battery Recycling recommendation - Submittal
Associated Project(s):The PWR SWATeam submitted a recommendation to the iWG stating, "The campus should continue battery recycling. Whether this be department drive through the use of outside programs or a comprehensive effort, battery recycling should be a priority."
See attached the SWATeam recommendation PWR008 Battery Recycling complete with comments from all the PWR SWATeam members.
Attached Files:Minutes 4/21/2017
Associated Project(s):The Purhcasing, Waste, and Recycling SWAT Team met to disucss topics including the ethics compliance video and battery recyling. The SWAT Team decided on three recommendations to make to the Associate Director of Campus Sustainability, Ximing Cai. These reccomendations include:
1. Promoting the Ethics Compliance Video with a written summary
2. Implement the approved Paper Policy draft
3. Continue battery recycling on campus
The SWAT Team also discussed efforts to increase recycling/lower the use of paper on campus. One avenue the team considered is urging RSOs to use less paper to promote their activities during Quad Day.
Attached Files:Archived info - previous project description
Associated Project(s):Facilities & Services has committed to funding a campus-wide battery recycling program, up to $10,000 per fiscal year. The program was launched in the Spring of 2012 with four locations on campus that accept specific types of rechargeable batteries as well as single-use alkaline batteries. Two vendors are used to collect and recycle the batteries: Call2Recycle, which accepts rechargeable batteries at no charge to the University; and Battery Solutions, which accepts single-use alkaline batteries and charges for collection.
Katie Kinley suggests CITES utilize rechargeable batteries
Associated Project(s):Katie Kinley, with the Student Sustainability Committee, expressed interest in getting the CITES department to use rechargeable batteries in their equipment, rather than single use batteries. Morgan Johnston provided her with a contact name to initiate the discussion. It was also noted that CITES can receive SSC funding for projects, but we don't believe they have applied in the past.
Battery Recycling Program Preparing to Launch
Associated Project(s):Battery Recycling program containers were ordered in late February. The official launch of this program will be mid-spring.
Battery Waste Reduction Efforts
Associated Project(s):The battery recycling program is being expanded to four locations across campus, for both rechargeable batteries and single-use alkaline batteries. Facilities & Services confirmed participation, developed a fact sheet and instructional kit for participating locations, and has committed to funding the program up to $10,000 each fiscal year. The containers for the program will be ordered in February.
Battery Recycling Progress
Associated Project(s):The battery recycling program is being expanded to four locations across campus, for both rechargeable batteries and single-use alkaline batteries. Facilities & Services confirmed participation, developed a fact sheet and instructional kit for participating locations, and has committed to funding the program up to $10,000 each fiscal year. The containers for the program will be ordered in February.
BLUE Battery Recycling info
Associated Project(s):Battery Recycling
Call2RecycleⓇ provides free collection boxes, pays for shipping, and accepts rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium Ion, and Small Sealed Lead batteries less than 11 lbs in weight. The Physical Plant Service Building began the Call2RecycleⓇ rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling program in October 2005. Rechargeable batteries are considered hazardous waste and must be recycled or disposed of according to EPA regulations. Facilities & Services has saved approximately $7,000 in disposal costs in the last six years.